Apple vs Microsoft

In 1988, Apple sued Microsoft for copyright infringement, claiming the Windows operating system illegally copied the 'look and feel' of the Macintosh OS. The highly publicized legal battle lasted for years, ultimately ending in 1993 when a federal judge ruled largely in favor of Microsoft. Apple alleged that Windows 2.0 stole elements like overlapping windows and the trash can icon.

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple in 1997 to save the struggling company from impending bankruptcy. Bill Gates appeared via satellite at the Macworld Expo alongside Steve Jobs to announce the historic partnership. This deal also ensured that Microsoft Office would continue to be developed for the Mac platform for five years.

Microsoft develops the Windows operating system, which is licensed to run on a wide variety of hardware from different manufacturers like Dell and HP. Conversely, Apple develops macOS exclusively for its own line of Macintosh hardware, tightly controlling the entire ecosystem. This fundamental difference in business philosophy remains central to their ongoing competition.

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were the iconic CEOs who defined the corporate rivalry in the 1980s and 1990s. Gates led Microsoft's aggressive expansion of the Windows platform, while Jobs focused on Apple's premium, integrated hardware design. Their complex relationship shifted from bitter enemies to respectful partners later in their careers.